Safety

5 things everyone should know about sexual assault

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000

5 things everyone should know about sexual assault Megan M Rogers Fri, 09/04/2026 - 00:00

Health and Wellness Services

Sexual assault is all too common and can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities. Here are five things everyone should know about sexual assault.

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Tips for talking about and preventing suicide

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:50:37 +0000

Tips for talking about and preventing suicide Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/03/2026 - 06:50

Health and Wellness Services

It can be hard to know what to say or do when you're worried about a friend, roommate, classmate or another student. Here are some ways you can help your fellow Buffs. You don't need to know for sure that someone is thinking about suicide before you check in—and you don’t have to handle the situation on your own.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts test set for Sept. 8: What to know

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:30:21 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts test set for Sept. 8: What to know Megan M Rogers Wed, 09/02/2026 - 06:30

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder will conduct a test of its emergency alert system at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The test is part of the university’s ongoing emergency preparedness efforts and fulfills federal Clery Campus Safety Act requirements.

About �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts

The university issues three types of alerts depending on the type of incident:

�鶹��Ѱ��Emergency Alert: Issued when there is a confirmed immediate threat to the safety of those on campus, near campus in areas of high student populations or if there is a change to the university’s operating status due to weather or other emergency conditions.

�鶹��Ѱ��Safety Alert: Also referred to as a “timely warning”, safety alerts are issued when a crime on or near campus requires increased community awareness of an ongoing threat, such as robbery, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft or other criminal activity.

�鶹��Ѱ��Advisory: Issued for non-emergency events or incidents on campus, emergency and non-emergency events off campus that could impact campus (such as power outages, road or building impacts affecting campus) and police activity near campus.

How to receive �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts

In order to make sure you stay informed, it’s important to know how to receive each type of alert. All alerts, no matter the type, are always posted to alerts.colorado.edu and pushed out via the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app, which students, faculty and staff can access by downloading the app, logging in using their IdentiKey credentials and enrolling in push notifications.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled in email notifications for emergency and safety alerts. Emergency alerts are also issued via text message to students, faculty and staff who have enrolled in text alerts, via social media and desktop alerts.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder partners who have cu.edu, cufund.org, cusys.edu, ucdenver.edu or cuanschutz.edu email domains must register and maintain their information on the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Rave webpage.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts are available in multiple languages. In order to receive alerts in your preferred language, students may update their preferences as part of preregistration each semester and faculty and staff can change their language settings any time in the MyCUInfo portal.

If you believe you should have received the Sept. 8 test alert but do not, contact the Division of Public Safety’s Emergency Management team for assistance.

Learn more

For more information about �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts and emergency preparedness resources, visit the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Division of Public Safety website. For additional emergency information, follow @CUBoulderAlerts and @CUBoulderDPS on X.

Campus officials will test the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts system at approximately 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, to ensure campus emergency notification systems are working properly. Students, faculty and staff should verify their contact information before the test.

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Having friends over? Plan ahead and avoid drama

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 18:36:33 +0000

Having friends over? Plan ahead and avoid drama Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/01/2026 - 12:36

Want to host a party without worrying about noise complaints or expensive tickets? Register your party with Off-Campus Life and the Boulder Police Department.

Whether it's a few people hanging out or a bigger party, take a few minutes to register your party with Off-Campus Life and the Boulder Police Department. It's free and can help you avoid tickets while being a good neighbor.

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5 tips for Labor Day weekend

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000

5 tips for Labor Day weekend Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/01/2026 - 00:00

Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 7, and �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder offices will be closed for the university holiday. Whether you're staying in Boulder, heading outdoors or hanging out with friends, plan ahead for the long weekend.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app connects Buffs to important safety tools

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:22:30 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app connects Buffs to important safety tools Megan M Rogers Tue, 08/25/2026 - 14:22

As a new academic year begins, the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app continues to connect students, faculty and staff directly to campus safety services. Whether reporting a concern, contacting a dispatcher, requesting police assistance or receiving �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder emergency alerts, the free mobile app helps Buffs take immediate action when they need help.

Since launching in October 2025, more than 4,000 students, faculty and staff have downloaded the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app. As Buffs settle into campus this academic year, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Division of Public Safety (DPS) is encouraging all students, faculty and staff to download the app and explore features that help keep the campus community safe, including:

Text to Chat: Allows users to communicate directly with a dispatcher during non-emergency situations.
Send Police Now: Dispatches officers to a user's location at the push of a button.
Friend Walk: Helps Buffs look out for each other by sharing locations and destinations, even across iPhone and Android devices.
Virtual Walkhome: Lets dispatch accept a tracking request from your device. If you don’t reach your destination by the estimated time of arrival, dispatch will be notified and contact you.

The app also provides video trainings for active harmer and other emergency situations, mental health resources and access to transportation services like �鶹��Ѱ��NightRide for late-night lifts in Boulder.

Together, these tools and others help Buffs stay informed, connected and empowered to fully experience campus life with safeguards in place.

“The �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app is your best personal tool for safety,” Jack Briggs, associate vice chancellor of DPS, noted. “It provides convenient, immediate access to notifications, information and support on campus. Take advantage of it to help yourself, your colleagues and friends stay connected and safe.”

Since its launch, the app has been improved and made more accessible through student engagement and feedback.

“Since the app is intended for our campus community, it was important that we involve students to provide feedback on the app's features," Michelle Smits, senior director of organizational strategy in DPS, said. "We also engaged with the Office of Information Technology's user experience team to make the app as user friendly as possible.”

Smits and other app administrators are currently streamlining the process for reviewing user feedback submitted through the app and exploring the platform's expanded language capabilities.

As the academic year kicks off, campus community members are encouraged to download �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe, enable notifications and location services, and familiarize themselves with the app's features. Knowing how to navigate the app before an emergency can help keep Buffs safe.

Download �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe is available to all �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students, faculty and staff. An IdentiKey is required to log in and access app features.

Download �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Open the app and sign in using your IdentiKey credentials.
Enable push notifications and location services to receive emergency alerts and important campus safety updates.
Add your phone number to your profile to help dispatchers reach you more quickly if needed.
Explore the app's features, including Text to Chat, Virtual Walkhome, reporting resources, transportation services, campus safety information and more.

The free mobile app connects students, faculty and staff directly to emergency services, reporting tools and safety support when they need it.

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Party smarter: How to navigate college parties

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:00:03 +0000

Party smarter: How to navigate college parties Megan M Rogers Tue, 08/25/2026 - 14:00

During your time at CU, you may find yourself at parties or social events where alcohol or other substances are around. This guide offers relatable tips to make sure you and your friends stay safe while having fun.

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Squad goals: 4 ways to look out for each other

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:46:15 +0000

Squad goals: 4 ways to look out for each other Megan M Rogers Tue, 08/25/2026 - 07:46

At �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, Buffs look out for Buffs. Whether you're with your roommates, classmates or people you just met, small actions—like checking in, trusting your instincts and helping someone who needs it—can make a big difference.

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Start the semester strong: Resources to help Buffs thrive this fall

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:47:57 +0000

Start the semester strong: Resources to help Buffs thrive this fall Megan M Rogers Fri, 08/21/2026 - 08:47

As students return to campus and faculty and staff prepare for another academic year, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder offers a wide range of resources designed to help every member of the campus community stay informed, connected and supported. Whether you're finding your way around campus for the first time, looking to get involved, or learning about workplace resources as a new employee, there are tools and services available to help make the transition into the fall semester smoother.

Get involved and find your community

College is about more than academics. Getting involved outside the classroom is one of the best ways to make connections, develop leadership skills and feel at home on campus.

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) offers numerous opportunities for students to connect with others who share similar interests. Through CSI, students can explore events, leadership programs, cultural programs and hundreds of student organizations.

Students looking for ways to get involved can use BuffConnect, the university's online engagement platform, to:

Browse student organizations
Discover campus events
Learn about leadership opportunities
Connect with affinity groups and communities
Find volunteer and involvement opportunities

With hundreds of recognized student organizations representing interests ranging from academics and recreation to cultural engagement and community service, there are opportunities for nearly every Buff to find a place to belong.

Students can also take advantage of other resources throughout the Division of Student Life, including wellness services, recreation programs, student government, cultural centers, leadership development opportunities and programs specifically designed to support new students and families.

Resources for new faculty and staff

The beginning of the semester is also a busy time for new faculty and staff joining the Buff community. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder offers a variety of onboarding resources designed to help employees successfully transition into their new roles. The new employees website serves as a central location for information related to onboarding, benefits, required tasks, employee programs and campus resources.

New employees can find resources including:

First-day and first-month checklists
Information about the MyCUInfo portal
Transportation and employee resource information
New employee programs and campus orientations
Contacts for support and assistance across campus

New faculty and staff are also encouraged to participate in onboarding opportunities such as the New Employee Welcome Experience, which introduces employees to �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder's culture, mission, history and campus resources while helping them build connections across the university.

Download the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app

A key addition to the CU’s safety resources is the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app, the university's official mobile safety app available to students, faculty and staff. The app was designed to bring important safety tools, emergency notifications, health and wellness support and other campus resources together in one place.

The app includes several features designed to help users stay connected and informed:

Push alerts provide real-time emergency notifications
Text-to-Dispatch allows discrete, nonemergency communication with dispatchers
Virtual Walkhome enables dispatchers to monitor a user's walk across campus in real time
Friend Walk allows users to share their location with trusted friends or family members
Quick access to resources such as Buff Bus, CUNightRide, parking information, campus maps and mental health resources

Downloading the app and enabling push notifications is one of the easiest ways to stay connected to campus safety information throughout the year. Safety is a shared responsibility, and becoming familiar with available resources in case they're needed can help create a more prepared and resilient campus community.

Stay informed with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Alerts

One of the most important ways to stay safe on campus is knowing how �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder communicates during emergencies and other situations that may affect the campus community.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder uses a three-tiered alert system that provides different levels of information depending on the severity and nature of an incident. For more information about the alert system, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder community members are encouraged to take the Responding to �鶹��Ѱ��Alerts training on Percipio.

The three �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Alert Levels: Emergency Alerts (red), Safety Alerts (orange) and �鶹��Ѱ��Advisories (yellow)

Emergency Alerts (Red): Emergency Alerts are used when there is an immediate threat to safety or if there is a change to the university’s operating status due to weather. These messages provide critical instructions to anyone on campus.

Safety Alerts (Orange): Safety Alerts are issued when there is an ongoing threat on or near campus that requires awareness, such as certain criminal incidents. These alerts help community members make informed decisions about their safety.

�鶹��Ѱ��Advisories (Yellow): �鶹��Ѱ��Advisories share nonemergency information that may affect campus operations or daily activities, such as road closures, power failures or nearby police activity.

Students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled to receive alerts through their @colorado.edu email accounts. Community members are encouraged to add or update their mobile phone number in MyCUInfo to receive text notifications and stay informed of emergencies in real time. Understanding these alert levels before an emergency occurs can help reduce confusion and ensure everyone knows what actions to take when a message is received.

A successful start to the semester

Whether you're arriving on campus for your first semester, returning for another year or beginning a new role at the university, taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with available resources can make a meaningful difference.

Exploring ways to get involved, connecting with campus support services, understanding the alert system and downloading the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app are simple steps that can help make everyone feel more informed, engaged and prepared for the months ahead. As the fall semester begins, these resources are here to help every member of the Buff community thrive.

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Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more

Anonymous — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:39:06 +0000

Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/20/2026 - 12:39

Bears are sporadically seen in the Boulder foothills and, on rare occasions, on campus.

It’s important that students, faculty, staff and the larger Boulder community become familiar with bear safety tips:

Don’t feed bears, and don’t put out food for other wildlife that attracts bears.
Be responsible about trash and bird feeders. The city of Boulder has a city ordinance that requires trash to be secured in bear-resistant trash cans or carts for residents in designated areas within Boulder. Residents within the secure trash implementation zone, including students living in rental units, should be provided with retrofitted bear-resistant trash cans/carts from their trash disposal company. Learn more about the bear-resistant trash ordinance.
Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including home, garage and vehicle doors. Don’t leave attractants such as snacks, food wrappers, gum or even scented hand lotions in your car, and don't leave pet food outside your home.
If you see a bear on campus, call 911. Stand still, stay calm and let the bear identify you and leave. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Be sure the bear has an escape route. If you see cubs, their mother is usually close by. Leave the area immediately.

Visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife "Be Bear Aware" page or the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks bears and mountain lions page for additional information and safety tips.

The �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder campus is home to, or frequented by, raccoons, deer, squirrels, beavers, prairie dogs and dozens of species of birds. Foxes have also been making a rebound in the area. On rare occasions, we even get visits from larger animals such as coyotes and bears. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder's Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders about interactions between people and wildlife on campus.

Black bears are common in Colorado, including in the Boulder foothills and, on rare occasions, campus. It’s important that students, faculty, staff and the larger Boulder community become familiar with bear safety tips.

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Safety

5 things everyone should know about sexual assault

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Tips for talking about and preventing suicide

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts test set for Sept. 8: What to know

About �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts

How to receive �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts

Learn more

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Having friends over? Plan ahead and avoid drama

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app connects Buffs to important safety tools

Download �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe

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Squad goals: 4 ways to look out for each other

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Start the semester strong: Resources to help Buffs thrive this fall

Get involved and find your community

Resources for new faculty and staff

Download the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app

Stay informed with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Alerts

A successful start to the semester

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Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more

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Safety

5 things everyone should know about sexual assault

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Tips for talking about and preventing suicide

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�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder alerts test set for Sept. 8: What to know

About �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder alerts

How to receive �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder alerts

Learn more

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Having friends over? Plan ahead and avoid drama

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5 tips for Labor Day weekend

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�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Safe app connects Buffs to important safety tools

Download �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Safe

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Party smarter: How to navigate college parties

Off

Squad goals: 4 ways to look out for each other

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Start the semester strong: Resources to help Buffs thrive this fall

Get involved and find your community

Resources for new faculty and staff

Download the �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Safe app

Stay informed with �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Alerts

A successful start to the semester

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Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more

Off

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts test set for Sept. 8: What to know

About �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts

How to receive �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alerts

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app connects Buffs to important safety tools

Download �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe

Download the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Safe app

Stay informed with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Alerts